Lachey to host ‘High School Musical’ show

updated 5:53 p.m. ET April 25, 2008

NEW YORK - Nick Lachey is going back to high school, musically.

The 34-year-old singer has signed on to host the upcoming ABC reality show “High School Musical: Summer Session,” inspired by the Disney Channel phenomenon costarring Zac Efron, Ashley Tisdale and Vanessa Hudgens, ABC said this week.

The program debuts July 20, and will air Sundays and Mondays for three weeks before settling into a Monday timeslot.

The competition will heat up as finalists participate in a summer music program: one winner will “receive the opportunity of a lifetime, becoming a part of ‘High School Musical’ history,” according to ABC.

Just what that entails — quality time with Efron? — hasn’t been announced yet. The champ will be named in mid-September.

Open casting calls for “High School Musical: Summer Session” will take place Sunday at Long Beach Arena in Long Beach, Calif., and May 7 at Champion Stadium at Disney’s Wide Worlds of Sports Complex in Orlando, Fla. The age range for contestants is 16 through 22.

The audition process will be featured in early episodes of the show, ABC said.

MORE FROM MORE REALITY TV NEWS, FEATURES

'Project Runway' needs a fresh design

'Project Runway' needs a fresh design Paris takes search for new BFF to Britain Dancing is hotter than ever ... on TV Next 'Bachelor' was rejected by 'Bachelorette' Eclectic mix of contestants for ‘Amazing Race’ Meet ‘The Amazing Race 13’ teams Now's your chance to be an ‘Idol’ or ‘Top Model’ How about Michael Phelps as ‘The Bachelor’? Meet ‘The Amazing Race 13’ teams Test Pattern: Right man won ‘Dance’ title   Add More reality TV news, features headlines to your news reader: